Hearing Health Services

This page gives audiologists and hearing service providers an overview of how WCB handles work-related noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)—including what’s covered, how claims are reported, what to document, and how to invoice.

What’s covered (eligibility)

WCB covers hearing aids and related hearing services for workers with accepted work-related hearing-loss claims.

When you identify possible work-related hearing loss

Audiologists are often the first to identify when a worker’s hearing loss may be related to noise exposure at work. If you suspect work-related NIHL during an assessment:

  • Tell the worker they may be eligible for a WCB claim for NIHL
  • Encourage them to contact WCB within 12 months of your assessment
  • Document clear clinical findings: audiogram, work noise-exposure history, relevant medical factors

Relevant forms

Reporting a claim (what workers must do)

For hearing loss that may be related to work, workers must:

  • Tell their employer as soon as possible after they learn they may have work-related hearing loss
  • File a claim with WCB within 12 months of being informed (typically by a medical specialist, such as your report) that their hearing loss may be related to work

Timing note: WCB may extend the filing period, but not beyond 5 years from the date of injury/exposure or from when the worker learned their hearing loss may be work-related. In practice, the date of your clinical confirmation is usually treated as the date the worker learned of the condition.

Services and billing

Once a claim is filed and accepted (or a case manager authorizes assessment or treatment):

  • Follow the Hearing Health Services: Schedule of Benefits and Fees (PDF) for covered services, fitting and replacement criteria, follow-up schedules, and payment rules
  • Include required documentation with invoices to avoid delays
  • Use current WCB forms and ensure all identifiers are complete

Approved hearing aid devices

WCB works with manufacturers to secure wholesale pricing for quality devices. The current approved devices list and any co-pay details are available from Health Services.